PC requirements for LNC?

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I'm going to be needing a new computer soon anyway, so wondering if there's anything related to LNC work that I should be looking for? Will just a typical run of the mill laptop work, or is there something special I should look for hardware or software wise? (Other than the case management software mentioned in that thread.)
Thanks!

I had a laptop built to my specifications. I also had it installed with XP Pro as Vista has had too many problems that have not seemed to have been worked out yet. There are also software programs that I prefer to use that have not invested the money in making them Vista compatible due to the ongoing issues with Vista that MS is still trying to work out.

If you are not super computer savvy yet, you may not notice a difference in how a $500 computer works versus a more expensive model. After you get accustomed to certain things on the computer, you may find that you will want to upgrade to something better. I recommend that you decide what software programs you will be using in your business prior to buying a computer. Some of the software requires large amts of hard drive space as well as RAM and high speed. You will not want to pay for a computer only to find out the software you are planning to use runs poorly or very slowly.

You can get decent laptops now a days for $500.00 my recomendation is to go with one that you purchase an additional on site repair service. Having it repaired quickly at your home, VS mailing it out and waiting is well worth the investment. Back up all of your data prior to repairs and if you must ship it out, make sure you have no client data on it. As far as computers and operating systems, XP Pro is still the champ. Many people still complain that the vista OS is too slow and does not play well with other programs, or equipment. Most of your off the shelf laptops come with 2Gigs of RAM, but also get one with a decent sized hardrive for storing in formation and any programs you might need. OK I am long winded on computers, but one final word. ENCRYPTION, nothing worse than having your laptop stolen with personal or worse professional data on it. Computers are my speciality, PM me if you need more information.

I need a new computer as well and from what I have gathered from these messages is: XP pro and at least 2G. What type of system have you found that works well. I have a Dell and I am not sure if I want to purchase another. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

Windows XP is no longer being produced as of last month but you may still find it available at places with large inventory. They were going to still let large companies like Dell install it and Microsoft is going to continue making patches/support/upgrades for it.

You need a computer that will do what you need it to do without being bogged down and taking forever to think. If you get a legal software program and other complementary softwary programs you will need large amt of free hard drive space in addition to the RAM. The best that you can afford, even if you don't think you'll need it is the best way to go and not have a frustrating surprise later.

You can start out on your "home" computer but there is a caveat: you could get a subpoena to submit the computer you did work on for inspection.

As a consulting expert, generally your work is not discoverable. But should you attend a medical evaluation or do any expert work - that is always discoverable.

As one LNC on another forum found out recently - they have requested EVERYTHING she has: billing of clients, client list, etc. - things that generally are not discoverable.

To be safe, it is better to have a separate computer for work unless you want someone to be able to see all the info on your personal home computer.

Also, when you take certain deductions for taxes, the IRS is very strict about keeping personal and work stuff separately, including computer usage.

I would never consider working on any computer that blended business/personal issues.

Also, one needs an external hard drive to back up all work. I learned the hard way. Embarrassing to say, I had only about half of my business backed up and suffered a systems failure complete with hours and hours and hours of tech support which resulted in losing EVERYTHING I had on the computer.

So, I invested in an external hard drive and never ever fail to back up everything.........and, often.

XP you can still buy, if you buy a new PC you may need to "downgrade" it to Windows XP. I take issues with vista as it does not "play" well with some of my software, Casemap has issues sometimes, and Dragon Naturally Speaking it has issues with. If you do not have to many peripherals that are old, IE printers, scanners etc. then Vista should be ok. If you use a backup harddrive as someone suggested, definitely encrypt the data.

Dell makes decent laptops, in house service where they come to you. Agian caution if you buy it from a chain store, make sure your coverage allows for in home repair, otherwise say good buy to your laptop for a month or 2.

If you do a lot on the road with your laptop, I use an IBM Lenovo Think pad, it has encryption, fingerprint scanner and everthing built in, harddrive drop protection. For home use I just bought an off the shelf HP laptop with 3 GB of RAM, large harddrive, for $800.00 so there is a lot out there, I know we should not recomend one product over another on the forum so I won't, please feel free to contact me if you need more information.